Each tooth in your mouth consists of a portion below and above the gum line. The part below the gum is the root and the portion that is visible above the gum is the crown. No surprise then that the tooth restoration designed to repair an extensively decayed or damaged tooth is called a dental crown. Made of all-porcelain or all-ceramic materials, a crown fits snuggly over your tooth in order to maintain the shape and restore its function. And without the metal that crowns were formerly made of, you won’t have the telltale dark line along your gum to indicate that you have a crown. Your porcelain or ceramic dental crown will blend seamlessly with the color and sheen of your other teeth.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown gets its name because it literally “crowns” or caps the entire visible portion of your tooth. When one of your teeth is damaged, cracked, chipped, or seriously decayed, we can use a dental crown to restore it back to its full function, size, strength, and beauty. Dental crowns are typically used to restore teeth or dental implants, but they can also be used as an aesthetic tool to fix misshapen or permanently discolored teeth. Dental crowns can be made of many different materials, but we use high-quality, all-ceramic materials to give you a beautiful and healthy smile for years to come.
Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?
In Meriden, CT, dental crowns are used to preserve your natural tooth and hopefully avoid the need to have it extracted if there is severe decay or damage. Dental crowns can also be used to:
- Hold together a tooth with a deep crack that threatens to split the tooth
- Build up a tooth that is unusually worn
- Secure a dental bridge that is replacing a missing tooth
- Protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- Cover a tooth that is irreversibly stained, discolored or misshaped
The Dental Crown Process
To get a traditional dental crown in Meriden, you’ll need to schedule two appointments at Meriden Dental Group that are spaced a couple of weeks apart. At the first visit, your dentist will anesthetize the tooth and surrounding tissue so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. Then, your dentist will carefully remove a portion of your tooth’s natural structure along the sides and the biting surface. Decay and debris will also be removed. Reshaping the tooth is necessary in order to ensure the proper fit of your crown; it should not crowd adjacent teeth or feel too high when you bite. After reshaping your tooth, we’ll take an impression that will be sent to the dental lab where your permanent crown will be hand crafted. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be seated on your tooth.
When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to your family dentist in Meriden where we’ll remove the temporary and cement your final dental crown in place. With proper care that includes daily brushing and flossing, regular checkups and not biting down on hard objects, your crown could potentially last a lifetime.
Do you have a tooth that needs a bit of help? A dental crown could easily repair it so you can smile and chew with ease once again, so be sure to contact our office today for an appointment.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Our Meriden, CT, dental team is eager to help patients enjoy healthy smiles. In some cases, that means we provide crowns. If you suspect you need this service, we invite you to call us to book a consultation. However, if you would like more information before you commit to anything, we completely understand. Below, you will find answers to some common questions about dental crowns.
What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns can be made of various materials. Here are a few examples:
- Temporary crowns are usually constructed of stainless steel, whereas permanent metal crowns may contain gold, silver, nickel, chromium, or palladium.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal. These crowns have a metal inner lining that is surrounded by a porcelain shell. Therefore, you can enjoy the durability of metal and the beauty of porcelain.
- All porcelain. These are the most natural-looking crown option. We often recommend them for crowns that get placed toward the front of the mouth.
Are Dental Crowns Permanent?
Dental crowns require a permanent commitment. During the preparation phase of the treatment process, we must remove a portion of a tooth’s enamel. Since the enamel will not grow back on its own, the tooth will always need a crown to protect it.
However, you should not expect your crown to last forever. On average, they endure for 5 – 15 years before replacement becomes necessary. In some cases, though, they can last for 20 – 30 years. You may be able to extend the lifespan of your restoration by sticking to good habits. For example, you should avoid grinding your teeth, adhere to a good oral hygiene routine, and regularly attend dental checkups.
How Do You Know When a Dental Crown Needs to Be Replaced?
Your crown might need to be replaced if:
- The tooth beneath the crown is in pain.
- The crown feels loose or unstable.
- There are visible signs of damage or wear on the crown. For example, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown might develop a dark line at its base.
During your dental appointment, we will carefully examine your crown and let you know for sure whether it should be replaced.
Do Dental Crowns Get Cavities?
Dental crowns cannot get cavities because they are made of different materials than natural tooth enamel. However, the teeth beneath crowns remain vulnerable to decay. Bacteria may collect along the gumline and sneak under the restoration. As time goes by, it can create an acidic environment that leads to tooth decay.
The best way to prevent cavities on the teeth beneath crowns is to stick to a good oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing and flossing are both important. Be sure to thoroughly clean along your gumline.